Social Security Handbook

103.1Where do you file applications for Social Security benefits
and applications for Medicare?

You may file applications for Social Security benefits (Retirement,
Spouse's and Disability benefits), Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
Medicare coverage, or apply for Medicare protection and Extra Help
with Medicare prescription drug costs, through the Internet, www.socialsecurity.gov, by telephone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at any Social Security
office. (See §2601 for information about the Extra Help with Medicare prescription
drug costs.) We provide you with the proper application and enrollment
forms. If you need assistance, our employees will help you fill out
the forms. If you need an interpreter to communicate with us, we
will provide one upon request, free of charge. SSA has a nationwide
contract for telephone interpreter services in more than 150 languages
and dialects. In some cases, you may file an application for food
stamps at any Social Security office if you are applying for or are
receiving SSI. (See §2108)

103.2Where do you file your claims if you live outside the United
States?

Important Information:

Other Government Websites:

Follow:

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Disclaimer

The Social Security Administration (SSA) website contains links to websites not affiliated with the United States government. These may include State and Local governmental agencies, international agencies, and private entities.

SSA cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by such websites. If we provide a link to such a website, this does not constitute an endorsement by SSA or any of its employees of the information or products presented on the non-SSA website.

Also, such websites are not within our control and may not follow the same privacy, security or accessibility policies. Once you visit such a website, you are subject to the policies of that site.